Advice please to a newbie

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Advice please to a newbie

brickies · Guru

Welcome to the forum ,I think you should Google CMCA Marketplace lots of Motorhome for sale there which would give ideas of what is available and at what cost good luck

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Thanks Brickies. I've seen that, but it doesn't help me in my queries.

milo · Guru

where are you based? my dad is selling his but pm me if you want more details and welcome to the site

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Thanks Milo. I am actually in South East Asia at present, but expect to be back to the West coast for work within a couple of weeks.. Its possible I'll get to the East coast before, if not, after.

Duh · Guru

As you will coming to the West Coast first, for saleyards around Perth, google Winnebago RV Perth, Action RV Perth, John Hughes RV, KB Campers RV Perth (ex hire van agents). And of course Gumtree and Quokka online sites among others.

I don't know what Milo's elderly dad is selling his for (suggest pm Milo) but I know it has had a lot done to it, so if you can wait to go over east that may be a good option.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your research!

-- Edited by Duh on Thursday 20th of September 2012 10:55:56 AM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

The Jayco Conquest with the on the Fiat is very economical, with heaps of power to get you out of trouble, and plenty of room for one person, or two who get on really well, to live in full time.

jetj · Guru

Lower power stuff like led lights, small TV, some fridges OK but an 1800 watt jug would be a big drain I think. I know we tried to boil an older jug with a sizeable genny and couldn't. You would need more than one panel and battery to run the higher watt stuff.

-- Edited by jetj on Thursday 20th of September 2012 10:42:47 PM

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Well, after reading some Product Reviews on Jayco, I think I'll look for something else.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi Lonerider - I think you will find varying reviews on all makes of motorhomes and caravans. We have had no big problems with the Jayco, and they are terrific at fixing the little things that go wrong. I think in this day and age, unless you spend mega bucks, everything - motorhomes, cars, homes, caravans, etc., - are made to a weight and price - so things do go wrong - but you can't fault the Fiat Ducato as a basic vehicle, no matter what body you put on it, so easy to drive, and very economical.

milo · Guru

Lonerider wrote:
Well, after reading some Product Reviews on Jayco, I think I'll look for something else.

yeah you'd be better with a winebego or something like that..

milo

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Send me the specs on yours Milo.

Beth54 · Guru

Welcome to the forum Lonerider. I can't help with any suggestions re the motorhome, but I will say that I've not long started using a solar panel and it's great for free/independant camping. I don't really need a generator, but I know plenty who have both.

Happy shopping! biggrin

milo · Guru

ours has solar too, think they charge the house batteries..

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Thanks for the advice. How is it to run things like: TV, Blender, Water jug etc. off the batteries? I would have thought you either need to be plugged into a mains, or run a genny. But if solar and batteries are enough, that's great.

vern

Beth54 · Guru

I use the gas stove to boil the kettle. I don't use appliances while camping, just the laptop and mobile phone, which charge off the in-house battery. And I do have a 240/12 volt TV but I haven't tried it out yet. I don't have the LED lights yet, as my van is old and still has the old fashioned lighting. The main light is fluro so is fairly economical, and I also have a solar reading lamp.

The solar panel charges up the in-house battery to keep everything going. Oh, and the fridge is 3 way, so while I'm driving it runs off the car battery, and when I stop I switch it over to gas.

I hardly ever stay at caravan parks, therefore hardly use 240.

Lonerider it depends on how much you want to run off the battery as to what size solar panel you have. I have an 80 watt which is fine for me. And I b ought mine off eb ay..much cheaper than anywhere else I looked at.

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Thanks for that Beth. You've given me something to think about. Solar is the way to go, just don't know much about wattage. You say 80 watt is fine for you?? Is that to charge 2 batteries, which most seem to have? And the fridge being 3 way is something to keep in mind also.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

We have 2 x 100 ah inhouse batteries - run fine on a 120 w solar panel mounted on roof - running lights, radio and tv - but we have just put another 80w on the roof, one, because we had it, and two, recent purchase of sat TV system is using a bit more power, especiallyif we haven't had enough sun through the day. We are heading to Tassy and may not get as much sun as up here in Qld. We use gas for cooking usually, or put the genny on, we also have a Cobb cooker, which is a great asset, going to try making bread in it today!

Solar is great - google "Collyn Rivers" - he has written several books on the subject, very informative.

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Hi Jules,

Just been looking at his website (Collyn Rivers). A lot of good info there, and will definately have to get a couple of his books. They seem essential reading. He also has some good links and articles for later reading. Intersting that he says, you get more power from the solar when it is cooler/sunny weather, than hotter. I am starting to think now, it would probably be better to start with a basic motorhome, then add to it according to the info gathered from his books, and others experiences, then one would not be over capitalising. Plus one would have a good working knowledge of their vehicle.

Thanks for that.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Yes Lonerider - start with the basics, and get what you need as you go along - if you are going to do some free or independent camping, a solar panel will give you a lot of freedom - another thing to think about is water - we have a 100l tank, which is adequate for us, now we have learnt to conserve properly, and keep drinking water separate in containers, we only carry about 10 ltrs of drinking water, seems to do us ok - we have a shower tent and shower pump 12v, for when we are near a dam or creek with clean running water for showers - there are heaps of other things, but you learn as you go along, I have found.

Keep on asking questions, and don't look past a second hand motorhome, people have often done all the heard yards, and got them pretty well right, or they have found they just don't like a motorhome life. Me, I love it!!!

jetj · Guru

Collyn Rivers books are very helpful, and so is the man himself with his magazine articles and keeness to help those who need information.

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Hi Jules,

As I mentioned in my first post, I have worked on ships most of my life since 15. Have lived and travelled overseas for most of it. Owned and lived several apartments. And I think I know by now, living in a cement box stuck in one place, is just not for me. No more apartments, no more overseas travel (unless I have to). I just want to enjoy the parts of Oz I have only ever seen on TV or in photos, live a bit more self sufficiently and enjoy the outback peace and quiet with plenty of space.

And I look forward to getting to know the people I meet as I travel around. Something I don't get to do now. So, your last couple of posts have really got thinking about the things I have to think about. I am fortunate that I can have things done to the MH while at work, and when I get back, travel a bit and find out what I need next, then get it done while away at work.

Collyn River does say, that even a Coaster can be good for long term living, but for me they seem a bit narrow. I have driven them a few times, they go well. He also says, better to go for something smaller than what you think you really need.

Lonerider · Veteran Member

jetj wrote:
Collyn Rivers books are very helpful, and so is the man himself with his magazine articles and keeness to help those who need information.

Yes jetj, I am sure he would be an interesting person to meet. He seems to have done it all.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi LR - Coasters are not a bad size, but are narrow, ours is just perfect - easy to drive, don't need any special licence - weight just on 4T - look up the Jayco website and check out the floor plans - one thing tho - get one with a bed over the cabin, as well as back bed - front top is good storage. Keep us up to date with your progress.

jetj · Guru

Lonerider wrote:
jetj wrote:
Collyn Rivers books are very helpful, and so is the man himself with his magazine articles and keeness to help those who need information.
Yes jetj, I am sure he would be an interesting person to meet. He seems to have done it all.

I haven't met him, but he has helped with questions on various forums. I would consider it an honour to meet him.

Beth54 · Guru

Lonerider wrote:
Thanks for that Beth. You've given me something to think about. Solar is the way to go, just don't know much about wattage. You say 80 watt is fine for you?? Is that to charge 2 batteries, which most seem to have? And the fridge being 3 way is something to keep in mind also.

I only charge the in-house battery. Depends on the size of your rig and what you charge as to how many watts you need.

jetj · Guru

I have what I would consider the minimum solar settup for me, with 120W panels and 100 ah battery. I would like twice that but room and weight would restrict that and possibly the need isn't there for more. I need to use it to know what is needed.

Beth54 · Guru

Oh thanks for reminding me jetj..my in-house battery is 105AH.

Yes, it's all horses for courses as to how much power you need.

Lonerider · Veteran Member

Hi Terry, well, now you have opened up a whole new avenue. Just looking quickly, the RH160 Hino seems to be so popular that they are all mostly sold. There are others, like the 145, having narrower body, the Leisse and Rainbow, not sure about body. There are a couple of places in Qld that do sales and conversions. What they had are sold but look very nice. I think to get one, and order would have to be put in.

What you said about the Lithium batteries sounds the way to go. I may contact some of these conversion companies and see what they can do for me. Apart from the RH160 Hino, do you have any other recommendations? And by the sound of your knowledge, any other practical inclusions and advice would be appreciated.

Vern

-- Edited by Lonerider on Saturday 22nd of September 2012 01:47:09 PM

-- Edited by Webmaster on Tuesday 25th of September 2012 10:53:01 AM

T1 Terry · Guru

There are two different avenues of free camping emerging with the recent discovery of using lithium ferrous batteries instead of lead acid batteries for house power, the minimalistic camping life style or a lot of the bells and whistles from home making the trip as well.
With the new lithium technology there is a far greater usable capacity that is not effected by high amp draw, 1/3rd the weight and a smaller size, this means a lot more energy available for the weight and area.
This opens up a whole new world, household appliances powered via an inverter rather than very expensive and some what inefficient low voltage stuff requiring big cabling. If the vehicle has enough roof space and shifting portable panels when camped up for a period of time is not an issue then it's quite possible to have an all electric motorhome for free camping.
The big problem with relying on gas for cooking and water heating is the cost of a refill in remote places and actually finding some where you can get it. You need to carry a spare bottle because there is bugger all warning that you are about to run out of gas, not good to find the fridge stopped part way through the night when the outside temp is 30 deg plus.
With refills up around the $35 plus mark in some areas and the fact a 9kg bottle doesn't last that long when running the fridge and hot water and stove, solar and lithium batteries really starts to become cost effective. I can't see the price of gas dropping any time soon so this is definitely a shift in thinking that will be future proof. The weight and space saving of gas bottles and no longer needing a gas fitter and gas certification is a plus as well.

Vehicles, if you want to get out there and not just cruise the black top you will need a vehicle that can handle it, not many of the factory show ponies fit this scenario. The RH160 Hino has a bit better width as do quite a few of the LWB vans on the market these days. Possibly a motorhome that's been built on a 4 X 4 truck base may be worth considering but above all, the things to look for are ground clearance and the amount of weight carrying ability left for additions and personal gear after the build is completed and the tanks are full, many run very close to legal weight before they leave the factory.

T1 Terry